Open
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 24, 2026
- Closing date : September 24, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports live and virtual dance projects that benefit Ontario’s professional dance community. Maximum funding ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 depending on the category, for creation, production and presentation, series and festivals, mentorship, and training or community development activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reach a new target audience
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : July 24, 2026
- Closing date : September 24, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Creation of new dance work
- Production and presentation of live or virtual dance
- Series and festival presentation projects
- Mentorship for eligible individual artists
- Training and community development initiatives
Documents Needed
- Project budget
- Artistic examples: 3 video examples
- Applicant résumé or bio
- Bios of confirmed artists
- Letter of support, for some categories only
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional dance artists who are Ontario residents
- Ontario-based ad hoc groups and collectives of dance artists or arts professionals
- Incorporated not-for-profit dance companies and dance organizations in Ontario
- Other not-for-profit organizations and collectives
Who is not eligible
- Dance studios, dance schools, and other training organizations
- Dance students and full-time students
- For-profit organizations
- Colleges, universities, municipalities, and school boards
- Schools run by First Nations or Indigenous Education Authorities
Eligible expenses
- Artist, mentor, teacher, and cultural carrier fees
- Production costs, venue or studio rental, and virtual platform costs
- Publicity, marketing, audience development, and administration costs
- Archival recording, travel, transportation, and accommodation for key participants
- Childcare and accessibility-related costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities outside Ontario
- Touring-related travel and accommodation
- Graduate degree or thesis projects
- Competition-based dance, except urban and powwow dance
- Major capital expenditures and major equipment purchases
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Assessment criteria are detailed in the Guide to OAC Assessment.
- Category-specific priorities are listed in the program guidelines.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare your application
- Read the program guide and eligibility rules.
- Create or update your Nova profile.
- Step 2: Complete the application in Nova
- Enter project information and answer the application questions.
- Upload the required artistic examples and support documents.
- Include the project budget.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit it in Nova before the deadline.
- Step 4: Check results and next steps
- Watch for the Nova notification email after the review period.
- Acknowledge the results in Nova if funded.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the deadline.
- Applicants receive results by email in Nova about four and a half months later.
- Successful applicants must acknowledge the notification in Nova.
- A final report must be submitted in Nova after the project is completed.
- Project changes or extensions require prior approval.
Additional information
- Applications are submitted in Nova.
- The program information may change before Nova opens.
- Final reports are submitted in Nova.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OAC — Dance Projects Program
What is the OAC — Dance Projects?
This program supports live and virtual dance projects that benefit Ontario’s professional dance community. Maximum funding ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 depending on the category, for creation, production and presentation, series and festivals, mentorship, and training or community development activities.
How much funding can be received?
OAC — Dance Projects Funds up to $20,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on July 24, 2026.
Who is eligible for the OAC — Dance Projects program?
To be eligible for the OAC — Dance Projects program, you must:
Professional dance expertise required
Project must fit a program category
Ontario-based activity required
What expenses are eligible under OAC — Dance Projects?
Creation of new dance work
Production and presentation of live or virtual dance
Series and festival presentation projects
Mentorship for eligible individual artists
Training and community development initiatives
Who can I contact for more information about the OAC — Dance Projects?
You can contact Ontario Arts Council (OAC) by email at mlegg@arts.on.ca or by phone at 416-969-7401.
Where is the OAC — Dance Projects available?
The OAC — Dance Projects program is available the province of Ontario.